Butland realisation hits over Rangers future after holding talks
Jack Butland’s future at Rangers is still up in the air despite his recent performances in the Champions League qualifiers.
Butland made several key saves in both matches against Panathinaikos to keep them in the tie.
Despite being out of sorts at times last season, the Englishman was back at his best during these games, but he struggled at times in the 1-1 draw with Motherwell.
Rangers have been linked with new goalkeepers this summer, and they could still pursue a replacement for Butland before the transfer window closes.
This article includes exclusive comment from former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson.
Ferguson praises Butland’s resilience after transfer uncertainty
Butland started the 1-1 draw against Motherwell at Fir Park on Saturday, but there will still be doubts lingering in his mind about his future at Rangers.
That’s the opinion of former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson, who spent seven years at Ibrox in the 1980s.
Speaking exclusively with Ibrox News, Ferguson was keen to praise Butland’s resilience during these uncertain times, adding that the keeper has likely sat down and held talks about his future.
He said: “It makes you question yourself. You ask yourself what he manager and coaching staff think of me, the fans and board. It’s natural and happens more as you get a bit older when you overthink things.
“Jack would have already sat down and spoke to a few people before coming to the realisation that he is still a top keeper, as he proved in the first leg of the Champions League tie when making some top-class saves.
“I don’t doubt there’s a good keeper there, but the question mark is still over if he can adapt to Martin’s style of play. The speculation will certain erode any player’s confidence, though Butland does still look to have some confidence and that is exactly what Rangers need in a player.”
A new striker has to be priority for Rangers
Russell Martin has already signed several players this summer, as he looks to build a team capable of toppling Celtic in the Scottish Premier League.
However, he still looks a short of a striker he can rely on to fire Rangers to SPFL glory.
The Rangers boss opted to start Danilo up front against Motherwell, but he failed to provide any sort of meaningful threat and doubts remain about his credentials.
- Cyriel Dessers hasn’t yet been handed a start by Martin, and looks set to be sold to AEK Athens.
- Hamza Igamane has been linked with a big-money move away from Ibrox.
- Mikey Moore is only 17 and surely cannot be relied upon to carry the Rangers attack
With more substance in attack, Rangers could have put the game to bed against Motherwell before the home side launched their fightback
The striker problem would appear to be a far bigger worry for Rangers than the goalkeeper position, where Butland has proven his worth over the years.
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